Transport for London (TfL) conducted a study to find out the facts of removing the central dividers from the roads of London and the results turned out quite alarming. The study says that the central marking lines played a vital role in secure driving but after removing these lines from couple of roads, people are bit disturbed while driving, thus driving very carefully. Result is that they are driving slowly and cut down the average speed by 4mph.
It was an experimental study planned after resurfacing three roads in the capital, when TfL decided not to repaint the central divider lines. They found that by removing these lines, speed can be further decreased by 4mph on an average. They found a significant decrease in speed on the Seven Sisters Road, 2.5mph on northbound while 4.1mph on southbound side. Several arguments were under discussion after the study and the most dominant argument came out is that, removing the central dividing markings create an uncertainty in the driver’s mind that reflects in speed cut downs.
It was the negative argument in the support of another one that says these lines give the driver a confidence and self assurance about security that no one from parallel lane will intrude on their side but without these lines, drivers slow down when crossing the vehicles travelling in opposite direction. This research study is the continuation of the research in 2005, by TfL Research laboratory. It was to study the psychological traffic calming measures.
TfL has decided not to remove or resurface all the central dividing markings in the capital. The director of road space management, Alan Bristow said that they do not have any plans for widespread removals but road designers will consider implementing this in the future. Along with other innovative traffic calming measures TfL will consider this option as well. Study also confirms that unpainted roads will bring less maintenance expenses.
